Amedica secures US patent for novel hip implant

Jun 3 2010

Amedica Corporation, a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument manufacturer focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, announced today that it has been granted United States Patent No. 7,695,521 covering its novel hip implant featuring a monoblock ceramic acetabular cup for use in articulating joints for total joint replacement.  Currently under development, Amedica's cup covered under this and other pending patents will be used as an ultralow-wear-bearing component for motion-preserving implants.

According to Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica, the unique ceramic manufacturing capability of the technology will help surgeons to achieve more successful outcomes in restoring patient function, allowing individuals to return to productive and pain-free lives.  

"Our unique technology allows us to combine our high-strength silicon nitride ceramic with an ultralow-wear surface-bearing technology along with a bone-contacting Bioactive™ surface designed for secure, long-term fixation," said Shappley.  "This provides surgeons with wider design choices and flexibility to improve anatomic fit and function compared to currently available alternate bearing options."

Amedica is a full-line manufacturer and supplier of silicon nitride ceramic technologies that are used in spinal implant applications. The company has recently entered into a joint venture agreement with Orthopaedic Synergies Inc., a global hip and knee concern.  

In addition to spinal implants, Amedica's unique SiN materials have disruptive characteristics for hip and knee implant applications, as well. The material is fracture resistant; its articulating surfaces do not produce the wear debris that is linked to osteolysis-related re-operations.  Additionally, the Bioactive implants feature a hydrophilic surface and a conductive cancellous structure to enhance bone in-growth and attachment.

"The monoblock ceramic technology covered by this patent and other issued and pending patents represents a major advance in orthopaedic implants and other applications," said Shappley.  "With this bearing technology, we expect to bring significant benefit to both patients and surgeons alike.

"Receiving this patent further secures our future competitive position in the reconstructive implant segments, one of the largest segments of the orthopaedics market," Shappley added.